First Awards Ceremony for Startup Ecosystem Facilitators, 'The Stage Setters'

The unsung facilitators who enabled the remarkable growth of the Korean startup ecosystem have finally come into the spotlight. On the 18th, Chairman Koh Young-ha of GoVentures Club, Naver D2SF (represented by CEO Cha Baro), and UKF (United Korean Founders, co-represented by Lee Ki-ha and Jung Se-joo) were honored at the 'Startup Catalyst Awards 2025' hosted by Startup Alliance in Seoul. This awards ceremony was newly established to highlight those who have dedicated themselves to the development of the domestic startup ecosystem. The awards ceremony was divided into three categories: 'Builder', 'Igniter', and 'Integrator'. The awardees were rigorously selected through nominations from Startup Alliance member companies and advisory board members, followed by a vote from a panel of 17 startup and IT specialized journalists. The 'Builder' category, for "Catalysts who designed the foundation for change," was awarded to Chairman Koh Young-ha of GoVentures Club. Starting with the GoVentures Forum in 2007, Chairman Koh connected early-stage founders and, as the inaugural chairman of the Korea Angel Investment Association, led the design and establishment of the TIPS program, laying the institutional foundation for the Korean startup ecosystem. The journalists lauded his pioneering role, stating, "He designed the institutional infrastructure from a time when the ecosystem barely existed, creating rules for the entire ecosystem beyond the achievements of individual organizations." The 'Igniter' category, for "Drivers who seized possibilities and boldly ignited them," was awarded to Naver D2SF. D2SF, which has consistently invested in tech startups since a time when they were undervalued, received high praise particularly for its proactive investments in AI semiconductor fields like FuriosaAI, and for establishing a global expansion foothold through D2SF US, founded this year. The journalists stated, "They recognized the potential of tech startups early on and boldly acted, combining strategic investment with business linkages." The 'Integrator' category, for "Fusion Catalysts who combined different elements to expand change," was awarded to UKF (United Korean Founders). Starting as a small gathering of Korean-American founders in Silicon Valley in 2018, UKF successfully hosted the 'KOOM Festival' in New York this year, earning accolades for evolving into a strong supporter and global hub for K-startups dreaming of global expansion. Lee Ki-dae, head of Startup Alliance Center, emphasized, "The Korean startup ecosystem has achieved both quantitative and qualitative growth over the past 15 years thanks to the unsung facilitators who have dedicated themselves behind the scenes. We hope that a culture where their meaningful actions and contributions are further highlighted and recognized will become established in the future."